Idaho Cobalt Operations Shows Promising Expansion Potential
Salmon, Idaho -- January 30, 2023 -- NewsGenie -- Jervois Global's Idaho Cobalt Operations (ICO) has reported positive results from its 2022 in-fill and expansion drilling programs. The drilling, which targeted the RAM deposit, returned encouraging assays, suggesting that the deposit extends beyond its current modeled boundaries and remains open at depth.
Highlights of the drilling program include:
- All six expansion drill holes intersected the main mineralized horizon (MMH), with pXRF indicating cobalt-copper presence.
- Assay results from the first two holes include 6.0 meters @ 0.58% Co, 0.66% Cu, 0.31 g/t Au (JS22-001B) and 2.4 meters @ 0.27% Co, 0.67% Cu, 0.14 g/t Au (JU22-064).
Jervois is using the drill results to update its ICO resource model, expected in Q2 2023. Commissioning is ongoing, with first concentrate production anticipated in late Q1 2023 and ramp-up to full capacity across Q2 2023.
The 2022 drilling program comprised 62 infill drillholes (7,730m) and 6 resource expansion drillholes (2,300m). Infill drilling confirmed the current RAM deposit resource model, while expansion drilling targeted down-dip extensions. All six expansion drill holes showed massive and disseminated cobalt-copper sulphide mineralization.
Drilling from underground platforms confirmed mineralization continuity over 260m laterally and 180m vertically beneath the southern resource zone. The RAM deposit remains open at depth and along strike, with potential for both resource and reserve expansion.
Jervois plans to continue expansion drilling throughout 2023 and begin drilling at the neighboring Sunshine and East Sunshine deposits this summer. During 2022, Jervois spent US$3.4 million on 10,300m of drilling. The expected exploration program for this year is US$7.4 million, targeting 14,600m of drilling.
Once in full production, ICO will be the only cobalt mine in the U.S. Jervois is in discussions with the U.S. Government to enhance the operation's contribution to clean energy and national security.
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Andrew Turner, P.Geol., a consultant for Jervois, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.